Download Festival boss marks apology for major travel delay

Friday, June 9, 2023

The manager of Download Festival has apologised after those arriving at the rock music event continue to spend hours stuck in traffic. There are major delays were reported on the roads around Donington Park in Leicestershire on Wednesday and Thursday.

Some passengers at nearby East Midlands Airport missed their flights as a result of the congestion.

John Probyn said that the Downlaod Festival organisers were working with the local authority and transport agencies to minimise delays.

The festival has advised people arriving from the south on the M1 to use junction 23 and follow signs.

Those coming from the south on the A42 have been told to use junction 14 and follow the signage.

Those arriving from the north on the M1 should use junction 24A, then follow the A50 to junction one, Trent Lane, Station Road and Broad Rushes (Donington Bypass).

National Highways reported “severe delays” affecting the M1 and A453 on Thursday.

East Midlands Airport confirmed some passengers missed their plane journeys on Wednesday as a result of the queues.

A spokesperson said staff – including its managing director Steve Griffiths – drove in airport minibuses to collect some passengers stranded on the nearby A453.

The visitors have been advised to allow plenty of time for their journeys to and from the airport while the festival is on.

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